festive nails.

Christmas has to be one of my favorite things ever (by far the best time of the year!) - the snow, the Christmas music on the radio, the decorations, the 'Christmas spirit', the delicious food, the gifts - it's all so lovely :).  I know i'm not the only one who loves to get a bit festive during the holiday season, with pretty dresses and sparkly accessories and such, and nail polish is a cute little way to get yourself in the Christmas spirit, even though it's so subtle!

I was on the hunt for a forest green nail polish and when i saw this sparkling with all it's might in the aisles of Walmart, i knew i just had to get it!  Sally Hansen is probably my favorite brand of drugstore nail polishes, so i knew this would get a lot of use from me.  They also had a few other jewel toned, frosty shades (jewel toned anything is always amazing in my book) which i was really tempted to buy as they looked absolutely gorgeous, but resisted as i didn't want to go completely nail polish-insane haha.  So i ended up picking up this shade, 22 Jumpin' Jade ♥

Sorry as it's a bit messy!

The color itself is obv very pretty and what you see in the bottle is basically what you get, although in some lightings the jade reflex is hidden a bit (which goes for any nail polish really!).  This is one coat, which is crazy - i'll probably be adding another coat tonight though to give it a bit more thickness too it.  The brush is awesome as well, it's wide but flat, which makes it really easy to apply.  These also don't take forever to dry, which is a big thumbs up from me!  The only thing i was a bit disappointed with is that it's already started chipping and i just painted them last night.

Definitely go check these polishes out, i think they're a great value for $4.50 and they have the most gorgeous shades ever.

Hope you're all having a great day & i hope all you girls in England don't get buried in the snow! ;)

xoxo

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Nails: Polka Dot Fail! ♥

I got a few comments on my June Favorites post about my nails (haha) & i was planning to do a nails-of-the-week post on these nails anyway, so here we go!  Teehee :)

I was inspired by another beauty blogger who also did polka-dot nails, i literally searched for 15 minutes trying to find who it was so i could link her in here, but i couldn't find her!  Errg.

Products used, in order:

-Maybelline Express Finish Nail Enamel Top & Base Coat - as base coat

-3 coats of Orly "Pretty Please" (this has been in my past two NOTW's haha)

-Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear Nail Color in "Blue Me Away" - polka dots

-Revlon No Chip Top Coat - review here

I put on the polka dots with a toothpick, and it was a total fail!  It's really not the nail varnish's fault, it was all mine!  I'm completely impatient when it comes to nails, but i really like my messy polka dots tbh :) - the polka dots are even worse on my other hand!

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I'd like to say a quick thank you to the girls who've tagged me to do those fun tags & who've given me awards!  I promise i'll get around to them, soo sorry it's taking so long!  Xoxo ♥

Formspring / Twitter

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May Faves! ♥

It's that time again!  Time to share with what products we've all been loving this month :)  The year's going by incredibly fast - we're already on the verge of summer!  Goodness... i'm afraid to blink because if i do, it'll be time to put up the Christmas decorations!

I degress...so with the sun showing it's face a bit more and with the air being more hot & humid, the products i choose to use everyday is changing, and i'm also using more products to keep my skin healthy and looking great!  This will be a long post, so i apologize in advance....Let's get onto it!

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1. Secret Clinical Strength Waterproof deodorant
Sure, this may be a bit embarrassing to put in this post, but i don't care because i have been totally loving it!  I have tried the regular Clinical Strength, but it doesn't work as well as the waterproof version, which makes sense.. ew, right?  Haha.  I'm just going to go straight into talking about sweat i guess, that's the only way to really say how effective this product is!  Ever since entering my teen years my hormones have gone crazy, and a side effect of that is sweating.  So that, along with the hot weather, is just a recipe for embarrassment & being uncomfortable.  Ever since using this, i have noticed that my underarm area is significantly drier & smelling fresh!  I believe i found my new favorite deo :)

2. Coppertone Oil Free Sunscreen Lotion
With the sunlight beating down, it's extremely important to protect your skin.  I have been using this sunscreen since last summer, and i really love it for everyday use.  It has an SPF of 30, which isn't too high, but again, it's great for everyday use - however, if i were going to the beach or planning to be outside all day, i would definately use a sunscreen with a higher SPF.  Since my skin is really sensitive to fragrances (esp. in lotions), this is a fragrance free lotion, but it still has that amazing, summery smell of sunscreen :)

3. Lush Vanilla in the Mist soap
You might've seen that i bought this delicious soap in a recent haul (link here), and since then i've gotten to use it quite a bit :)  I'll be writing up a full review on this product soon, but i wanted to include it in my May Faves because it's absolutely divine.  The scent is super warm vanilla, and almost coffee - it's incredible.  It's also quite moisturizing, which for a solid soap isn't something you come across too often.  I absolutely adore this product ♥.  Look out for a full review!

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1. Clinique High Impact Mascara in 01 Black

I did a review on this way back in the day, i kinda stopped using it since i discovered CoverGirl Lash Blast, but i've since rediscovered it.  I still use my Lash Blast, but i use this as on top of it, on the outer corner lashes - it really gives my lashes even more length & volume, and creates more of a cat-eye effect.  Love!

2. Double-ended eye brush

Whilst walking through a cosmetic aisle in Walmart looking for a blending brush, i came across some Revlon brushes, as well cheaper ones - of course i went for the cheaper ones.  I'm not sure what brand this one is exactly because the the label came off of the packaging... but if you spot the Revlon brushes in Walmart, i'm sure you'll find these right next to them.  I already own the MAC 217 brush, which is great for applying color to the crease & blending, but i wanted to find another one to use for when i'm using a look with multiple colors.  This brush is great for blending, i still prefer my 217, but this is a great brush - reminds me of the MAC 224!

3. CoverGirl Cheekers Bronzer in 104 "Golden Tan"

Before i got my Bare Minerals Warmth, i was running low on my favorite Clinique Bronzer ("Sunkissed"), so i went to Walmart (i'm noticing a pattern here...) & tried to look for a nice, inexpensive bronzer.  I landed on this CoverGirl bronzer, and i really like it!  I'll put a little swatch of it above here, it looks like the name sounds, goldie-brownie, but it comes up more orangey-brown on the skin - kind of annoying, but you can always blend it out a bit :)

4. Burt's Bees Beeswax Lipbalm

I'm pretty sure you've all either tried this stuff, or at least heard of it - with good reason too, it's really nice!  I have been using these for years, but went off it a couple months ago because i was trying to use up some other lip products.  Since i've used them all up, i repurchased this & have fallen back in love :)

So minty & fresh feeling on the lips!

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Urban Decay Eyeshadow in "Mad Hatter" (Original name: "Twice Baked")
I absolutely adore this color.  I use this in the outer corner & blend it into the crease, and it looks really nice!  I've tried using up other colors, from Urban Decay & other brands, and i always come back to this.  There are glitters in it, but it really isn't noticeable once applied - still a nice little touch :)

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1. DIY Sailor Button Earrings
So i was having a crafty day a couple weeks ago, as you may know (I did a blogpost on it!  Link here :), and on that crafty day, i made these earrings out buttons & old earrings!  I wore them so much this month, they go with soo many outfits!  Love, love, love - and they were free, eeeee!  Guilt-free accessories :)

2. Sally Hansen Teflon Tuff 10 Day Nail Color in 06 "Violet Frost"
This gorgeous color has been on my nails for the majority of the month!  It's a very pretty, uhh... violet frosty color?  Haha :).  I rediscovered this baby while taking photos for my recent nail polish collection post (link herezzz).  I received many compliments on it - that's always nice, right? :)  The formulation is so-so, probably because i've had this for years & years - it's still a very pretty & somewhat easy to work with polish.

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Say cupcake five times fast if you actually made it through this post!  Hahaha :O
What have you ladies been loving this month?


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Nail Polish Galore! ♥

Say hello to my little friends...

Hahaha ;D

This is all the nail polish i own.  I honestly don't mean to brag and i definately don't want to seem snooty or anything, so i really hope you girls don't take it that way.  This is a pool of all of my mom, my sisters, and i's varnishes that we've been accumulating over the years.

If you're wondering how these polishes are actually stored click here.

Some girls are crazy about polish, and i'm honestly not.  I need to have a color on my nails though, but i've gotten so frustrated with my nails that i just gave up trying to make them look amazing.  When i see many girl's NOTDs, they're nails are smooth, shiny, & amazing, while mine are messy, uneven, and not-so-amazing.  Anyone know they're secret?!  Well anyway...

I'm going to go through each color group seperately & give mini reviews!

So let's get onto it!

R E D S  &  O R A N G E S

left to right:

♥ OPI in "It's a Doozi, Says Suzi", Sally Hansen in "Cardinal", BonBons by Bari Cosmetics - no name, Sally Hansen in "Salsa Creme", and Petits by Scherer - no name
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I love red nail polish - Sally Hansen in "Cardinal" is almost always on my toes.  The other polishes honestly don't get that much love, but the first OPI color is really pretty for fall & winter.

P I N K S
left to right:

♥ N.Y.C. Long-Wearing Nail Enamel - no name, random polish, Revlon Nail Enamel in 917 Plum Seduction, OPI Nail Lacquer in "You're Such a Kabuki Queen", Sally Hansen Diamond Strength No Chip Nail Color in 44 Rose Amore, Orly Nail Lacquer in "Pretty Please", OPI Nail Lacquer in "Got a Date To-Knight"
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Pinks have to be my favorite color of polish to wear :)  Whenever i try to branch out and paint my nails a some other color, i always end up using one of these!  My faves are the two OPI ones.  The first two are my least used out of this group mainly because they're quite sheer.  The Revlon (which is probably considered of more of a purple lol) shade i love, but it takes forever to dry so i don't wear it too much.

Y E L L O W S  &  G R E E N S

left to right:

♥ N.Y.C. Long-Wearing Nail Enamel - no name, Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear Nail Color in 27 Mellow Yellow, Sinful Nail Enamel in 76 Green Glitter, N.Y.C. Long Wear Nail Enamel in 118A, N.Y.C. Long Wear Nail Enamel in 110A Luxury Lime Creme, BonBons by Bari Cosmetics - no name, random polish
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I don't wear yellow or green polish very often tbh, mainly because they're not too flattering with my skintone, but it looks great in the summer with a tan :)

B L U E S
left to right:
♥ Jane Nail Color in 22 Up All Night, L.A. Girls Flare Bright Delights Nail Lacquer - no name, Nicole by OPI in "It's Up to You", Pure Ice by Bari Cosmetics in #761 Frosted Ice Calypso, Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear Nail Color in 04 Blue Me Away!, random polish
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(The first one may look black in the bottle, but it comes out a dark navy color :), i really enjoy wearing bluesy colors on my nails!  Blues are great for anytime of the year, in my opinion.  My favorites from my collection are the first one (Jane in "Up All Night"), the third (Nicole by OPI in "It's Up to You"), and the fifth (Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear in "Blue Me Away" - they are all super pretty (duh haha).

P U R P L E S

left to right:
♥ Artmatic U.S.A. in 101 Black Plum, OPI Nail Lacquer in Boris & Natasha, BonBons by Bari Cosmetics - no name, Pure Ice by Bari Cosmetics - my friend mixed a couple polishes to make this - the original was called "Cheatin", Sally Hansen Teflon Tuff 10 Day Nail Color in "Violet Frost", Sally Hansen Diamond Strength No Chip Nail Color in 57 Lavender Marquis
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Making this post, i rediscovered my love for purple polish.  I really want a lilac nail polish - Barry M makes an amazing one, ahh we need Barry M in the US!  Anyway, next time i paint my nails it will probably be with one of these :)

B R O W N S,  G R E Y,  &  B L A C K S
left to right:
♥ In the Mood by China Glaze in "Teal to Peach", The Color Workshop - no name, Estee Lauder Pure Color Nail Lacquer in 69 Frozen Fantasy, U Colors Nail Polish - no name, Wet'n'Wild Fantasy Makers - no name, A Perfect "10" in 395 Black Out
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I'm not one to wear browns on my nails, i think they would look gorgeous with a tan though.  The one grey i have is really old & is probably all chunky now haha, it's a really pretty color though.  The two blacks i have are really nice, the Wet'n'Wild one is pretty watery though, but they're both fairly pigmented.  I used to wear black nail polish a lot more when i was in middle school & early high school, but i've grown out of it and have been wearing more colors now.  I think black can still look great though :) - so long as it's not chipping!

N U D E S  &  S H E E R S

left to right:
♥ &IsaDora Perfect Nail Polish in 10 Satin Beige, Sally Hansen Maximum Growth plus Nourishing Nail Color in 08 Vanilla Whimsy, L'Oreal Paris Wear Extraordinaire Nail Enamel in 319 Blush Perle, Revlon Sheer Translucide Nail Enamel in 003 Sheer Snowflake Pink, Sally Hansen Diamond Strength No Chip Color in 21 Brilliant Blush, Jordana Nail Polish in 308 Shining Star, OPI Nail Lacquer - label fell off, BonBons by Bari Cosmetics - no name
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I honestly don't know how i've accumulated so many nudes compared to other color groups - i rarely wear them!  My mom must have gone on some sort of spree...haha.  Most of these are very sheer and they take multiple layers to build colors, hence me not wearing them so much.  I'll have to try some of these out soon!

T O P  /  B A S E  C O A T S  &  T R E A T M E N T S

left to right:
♥ Professional Nail Color Fiber Enriched Fortifier, Professional Nail Color Vitamin E Enriched Ceramics Smooth, Professional Base Coat, Maybelline New York Express Finish 50 Second Nail Color 10 Base & Top Coat
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I've tried plenty Base & Top coats, and none of them do it for me.  I think i need to invest in a decent one.  Any recommendations?  Anyway, the only product i use out of these every time i do my nails is the second one, Ceramics Smooth - it somewhat smooths out the lines from my nails to make the polish look a bit better.  I think it's important to do treatments once in a while because nail polish can really smother your nails - not good!

♥

NOTW: Switching it up a bit :)

top - with flash

bottom - without flash

sorry for the messy-ness :)

Instead of reaching for OPI's Got a Date To-Knight, (a light pink, girly color) like i always do, i decided to go for something a bit different.  I landed on Sally Hansen's Xtreme Wear Nail Color in Blue Me Away.  My sister bought this polish a long time ago & i hadn't tried it before today.

I hate to sound a bit cheesy, but i was really blown away with this product!

This is one coat.  ONE COAT!  It was a bit gooey going on, but it was really easy to neaten it up.  I always have a problem with waiting for nail polishes to dry, especially with OPI.  The nail polish will be 'dry' but it'll still be tacky and i'll always end up getting a dent from nicking them, getting fingerprints on them from testing to see if they're dry, or getting 4302 lines in them from going to bed with them still tacky!  This product was un-tacky within one hour!  For me, that's amazing.

Next time i go to Wal-Mart i'll have to have a look at these.  I'm really curious to try out other colors from this line :)

♥